Tools you wish you'd bought sooner...
Discussion
Bonefish Blues said:
I use the scarifier first and then use a wide rake for the moss. Once it's in big piles it picks up and dumps into the brown bins pretty easily.
I have tried blowing it in to a long row using the Stihl blower... then picking it up with a set of 'big hands' grabbers and in to the barrow. It is very springy and therefore voluminous, but getting there. Too hot at the weekend, but I need it all up before we get any rain as then I would be back to square one with a matted mess over the lawn.timberman said:
We recently got the AVA P80 Evolution after our 12 year old Nilfisk started playing up,
I've used it a few times now and am pretty impressed so far,
Build quality is on par with our old Nilsfisk
It's rated at 160 bar compared to 140 in our old Nilfisk but pressure feels quite similar
where it wins out is in the time and effort put into its design
the hose reel swings side to side to follow the user, it's easier to pull out the hose without pulling the washer over and to wind up the hose when finished, plus the hose itself is a proper heavy duty reinforced flexible rubber one unlike the plastic hoses often supplied as standard with other brands,
the lance extends which is useful to avoid getting soaked when blasting somewhere where there's a risk of blow back,
the nozzles attach directly to the trigger handle turning it into a stubby gun and the vario nozzle can be adjusted for spray pattern and pressure making it perfect for car washing
everything stores away easily and neatly and feels well made,
the only thing I'm not keen on is the cable storage, It works okay but feels a bit clumsy and doesn't feel as robust as the rest of it,
tbh I'd have been happy with just some posts to wrap the cable around like on the Nilfisk.
When looking to buy I also considered getting the Nilfisk 180 premium which was available for less money and had a higher pressure rating, but decided to go with AVA based on reviews,
No regrets so far
I’ve been looking at these, any issues with the fuses blowing? Lots of reviews seem to suggest issues with the fuses blowing and Ava’s own site say the same. I've used it a few times now and am pretty impressed so far,
Build quality is on par with our old Nilsfisk
It's rated at 160 bar compared to 140 in our old Nilfisk but pressure feels quite similar
where it wins out is in the time and effort put into its design
the hose reel swings side to side to follow the user, it's easier to pull out the hose without pulling the washer over and to wind up the hose when finished, plus the hose itself is a proper heavy duty reinforced flexible rubber one unlike the plastic hoses often supplied as standard with other brands,
the lance extends which is useful to avoid getting soaked when blasting somewhere where there's a risk of blow back,
the nozzles attach directly to the trigger handle turning it into a stubby gun and the vario nozzle can be adjusted for spray pattern and pressure making it perfect for car washing
everything stores away easily and neatly and feels well made,
the only thing I'm not keen on is the cable storage, It works okay but feels a bit clumsy and doesn't feel as robust as the rest of it,
tbh I'd have been happy with just some posts to wrap the cable around like on the Nilfisk.
When looking to buy I also considered getting the Nilfisk 180 premium which was available for less money and had a higher pressure rating, but decided to go with AVA based on reviews,
No regrets so far
No ideas for a name said:
It has a 212cc engine on it, so it is the equivalent of four and a bit mopeds - which of course you might expect to be able to rip the lawn up.
I now feel like an Elbonian Mud Farmer.
I now feel like an Elbonian Mud Farmer.
I had a similar experience when the parents rented one and I attacked the lawn with it; it looked like the aftermath of the Battle of the Somme.
wolfracesonic said:
…and you finally realise you’ve never had a lawn after all, just some mud with moss growing in it
That's it; afterward we realised that and in the absence of a desire to rip it all up and buy a load of turf to redo it or waste time trying to get actual grass to grow it's been left to its own devices and now produces a good regular crop of moss. darreni said:
timberman said:
We recently got the AVA P80 Evolution after our 12 year old Nilfisk started playing up,
I've used it a few times now and am pretty impressed so far,
Build quality is on par with our old Nilsfisk
It's rated at 160 bar compared to 140 in our old Nilfisk but pressure feels quite similar
where it wins out is in the time and effort put into its design
the hose reel swings side to side to follow the user, it's easier to pull out the hose without pulling the washer over and to wind up the hose when finished, plus the hose itself is a proper heavy duty reinforced flexible rubber one unlike the plastic hoses often supplied as standard with other brands,
the lance extends which is useful to avoid getting soaked when blasting somewhere where there's a risk of blow back,
the nozzles attach directly to the trigger handle turning it into a stubby gun and the vario nozzle can be adjusted for spray pattern and pressure making it perfect for car washing
everything stores away easily and neatly and feels well made,
the only thing I'm not keen on is the cable storage, It works okay but feels a bit clumsy and doesn't feel as robust as the rest of it,
tbh I'd have been happy with just some posts to wrap the cable around like on the Nilfisk.
When looking to buy I also considered getting the Nilfisk 180 premium which was available for less money and had a higher pressure rating, but decided to go with AVA based on reviews,
No regrets so far
I’ve been looking at these, any issues with the fuses blowing? Lots of reviews seem to suggest issues with the fuses blowing and Ava’s own site say the same. I've used it a few times now and am pretty impressed so far,
Build quality is on par with our old Nilsfisk
It's rated at 160 bar compared to 140 in our old Nilfisk but pressure feels quite similar
where it wins out is in the time and effort put into its design
the hose reel swings side to side to follow the user, it's easier to pull out the hose without pulling the washer over and to wind up the hose when finished, plus the hose itself is a proper heavy duty reinforced flexible rubber one unlike the plastic hoses often supplied as standard with other brands,
the lance extends which is useful to avoid getting soaked when blasting somewhere where there's a risk of blow back,
the nozzles attach directly to the trigger handle turning it into a stubby gun and the vario nozzle can be adjusted for spray pattern and pressure making it perfect for car washing
everything stores away easily and neatly and feels well made,
the only thing I'm not keen on is the cable storage, It works okay but feels a bit clumsy and doesn't feel as robust as the rest of it,
tbh I'd have been happy with just some posts to wrap the cable around like on the Nilfisk.
When looking to buy I also considered getting the Nilfisk 180 premium which was available for less money and had a higher pressure rating, but decided to go with AVA based on reviews,
No regrets so far
I asked about the same issue when making enquires and apparently they've made changes now to stop this happening, so you should be fine
I had to assemble some new garden furniture recently and dreaded using the supplied allen key to wind in the bolts. I therefore bought a cheapo ratchet set
https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0BBRJ6RQ6?ref=ppx_yo2...
Very pleased with it. Wouldn't be any use in a professional environment but for a quick bit of DIY it was great. Screwing in allen bolts in tight corners is a real pain - but much easier with this thing. Not sure why I've never bough one before - they make so much sense.
https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0BBRJ6RQ6?ref=ppx_yo2...
Very pleased with it. Wouldn't be any use in a professional environment but for a quick bit of DIY it was great. Screwing in allen bolts in tight corners is a real pain - but much easier with this thing. Not sure why I've never bough one before - they make so much sense.
A much cheaper option than the Wera Bit-check - but then again, it's not as pretty
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Wera-Bit-Check-Zyklop-Rat...
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Wera-Bit-Check-Zyklop-Rat...
Edited by Car bon on Thursday 27th June 12:25
AstonZagato said:
I had to assemble some new garden furniture recently and dreaded using the supplied allen key to wind in the bolts. I therefore bought a cheapo ratchet set
https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0BBRJ6RQ6?ref=ppx_yo2...
Very pleased with it. Wouldn't be any use in a professional environment but for a quick bit of DIY it was great. Screwing in allen bolts in tight corners is a real pain - but much easier with this thing. Not sure why I've never bough one before - they make so much sense.
Mini ratchets are great eh? I have Wera and Topeak sets (both sold for bike stuff) and I'm forever finding general DIY applications, e.g. assembling flat packs or doing up a screw with awkward access.https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0BBRJ6RQ6?ref=ppx_yo2...
Very pleased with it. Wouldn't be any use in a professional environment but for a quick bit of DIY it was great. Screwing in allen bolts in tight corners is a real pain - but much easier with this thing. Not sure why I've never bough one before - they make so much sense.
MajorMantra said:
Mini ratchets are great eh? I have Wera and Topeak sets (both sold for bike stuff) and I'm forever finding general DIY applications, e.g. assembling flat packs or doing up a screw with awkward access.
I find my Makita impact driver is the perfect tool for most flat-packs If the screws / threads are made of Chineseum it can be a bit of a problem, of course…skwdenyer said:
I find my Makita impact driver is the perfect tool for most flat-packs If the screws / threads are made of Chineseum it can be a bit of a problem, of course…
Impact driver?! A bit heavy handed...I much prefer a 12v clutched drill driver for flat packs (and much quieter as well). In fact, I have relegated both my impact drivers (18v and 12v) to garden duties. Drill drivers for the win! If the screws / threads are made of Chineseum it can be a bit of a problem, of course…
MajorMantra said:
skwdenyer said:
I find my Makita impact driver is the perfect tool for most flat-packs If the screws / threads are made of Chineseum it can be a bit of a problem, of course…
Maybe you buy better flat-packs but it's too easy to chew through fibre board with an impact IMO. If the screws / threads are made of Chineseum it can be a bit of a problem, of course… Cheap impact drivers especially can have very sudden triggers. All my IKEA stuff goes together with the impact driver and, where necessary, a nail gun for the panel pins.Speaking of nail guns...
I want one.
I have Makita and DeWalt batteries, but neither brand does a non-expensive second fix nail gun that I can see.
It looks like the Ryobi 18g plus a battery adapter might be the one? Everyone seems to rate it and it looks like a decent second hand one can be had for £130ish.
Thoughts?
I want one.
I have Makita and DeWalt batteries, but neither brand does a non-expensive second fix nail gun that I can see.
It looks like the Ryobi 18g plus a battery adapter might be the one? Everyone seems to rate it and it looks like a decent second hand one can be had for £130ish.
Thoughts?
DBPHiL said:
Age not being on my side, I'm thinking of getting a cordless/electric Weed Sweeper/Grout Cleaner.
Any suggestions, thoughts, much appreciated. tia.
My Mum just bought one, the wire brush didn't last long at all and she's moaning about having to find replacements after managing a third of her driveway.Any suggestions, thoughts, much appreciated. tia.
Edited by DBPHiL on Thursday 27th June 13:15
MajorMantra said:
Speaking of nail guns...
I want one.
I have Makita and DeWalt batteries, but neither brand does a non-expensive second fix nail gun that I can see.
It looks like the Ryobi 18g plus a battery adapter might be the one? Everyone seems to rate it and it looks like a decent second hand one can be had for £130ish.
Thoughts?
I’ve got one and it’s great. It’s one of Ryobis best tools and gets good recommendation on the woodworking groups I frequent and even respect from the die hard Milwaukee/Dewalt/Makita fanboysI want one.
I have Makita and DeWalt batteries, but neither brand does a non-expensive second fix nail gun that I can see.
It looks like the Ryobi 18g plus a battery adapter might be the one? Everyone seems to rate it and it looks like a decent second hand one can be had for £130ish.
Thoughts?
skwdenyer said:
MajorMantra said:
skwdenyer said:
I find my Makita impact driver is the perfect tool for most flat-packs If the screws / threads are made of Chineseum it can be a bit of a problem, of course…
Maybe you buy better flat-packs but it's too easy to chew through fibre board with an impact IMO. If the screws / threads are made of Chineseum it can be a bit of a problem, of course… Cheap impact drivers especially can have very sudden triggers. All my IKEA stuff goes together with the impact driver and, where necessary, a nail gun for the panel pins.Impacts are not a panacea for getting screws and inserts into wood! This is definitely one situation where you want simple rotation rather than walloping.
sparkythecat said:
MajorMantra said:
Speaking of nail guns...
I want one.
I have Makita and DeWalt batteries, but neither brand does a non-expensive second fix nail gun that I can see.
It looks like the Ryobi 18g plus a battery adapter might be the one? Everyone seems to rate it and it looks like a decent second hand one can be had for £130ish.
Thoughts?
I’ve got one and it’s great. It’s one of Ryobis best tools and gets good recommendation on the woodworking groups I frequent and even respect from the die hard Milwaukee/Dewalt/Makita fanboysI want one.
I have Makita and DeWalt batteries, but neither brand does a non-expensive second fix nail gun that I can see.
It looks like the Ryobi 18g plus a battery adapter might be the one? Everyone seems to rate it and it looks like a decent second hand one can be had for £130ish.
Thoughts?
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